There are tons of resources for photographing the landscape, but how do you FIND a landscape? And what do you do with it once you find it?

I enjoy photographing rural scenes. In the beginning, I would drive down back country roads, randomly turning onto different roads; essentially, I would get lost of purpose just to see what I could find. One problem I had with this strategy was I would find a location, move on, but would never be able to find it again if I wanted to go back. Or I would waste time going to places that I had already covered.

Another problem is you can't snap a picture and expect it to be worthy of hanging on the wall. You can stand in the exact same spot day after day and experience a completely different set of variables each time. Sun, clouds, time of day, weather, they all factor...

Nice blog, enjoyed it. Landscaping is so frustrating - many is the time I've taken shots that, once processed, lacked any zing or which failed to capture the view as it appears to the eye....that's the hardest I find, replicating the view, what you see ain't always what you get!

I often wonder how the landscape photographers that do it are successful. Like someone said below, there is alot of work that goes into being at a specific spot at the right moment. And once you throw in the hours spent, and the gasoline/airfare consumed getting to that spot, you've really got to know your market well for that kind of image, or you are going to go broke in a hurry, unless you've got another job.

As I write this, one of the most recent Featured Photographers was Subbotina. I found this Contributor a while back while browsing the database and I added this person to my list of favorites. The reason for adding is because we both joined DT on the same day. I thought I was doing good with sales versus the size of my portfolio, but Subbotina only proves that I still have much to learn about stock, producing quality images, and figuring out what sells. (Just look at Subbotina's time on DT versus size of portfolio and number of sales).

There are many Contributors like Subbotina who demonstrate that you can make it in stock, but only if you study and learn and continue to improve the craft. I make this point because...

she truly does have a beautiful portfolio, and I think yours is pretty good as well. I think your blogs are great and you put a lot of thought and time into them. I am working hard to get their. i got a great deal to learn. but you aree incouraging thanks

A professional photographer, when doing commercial photography, will know in advance what the shot will be. He plans the shot either in his mind or with paper and pencil, figuring out the composition and lighting, along with any consideration for special techniques or effects. He then carries out the plan.

We amateurs usually take what is essentially a snapshot, a photograph "of the moment." However, we still need to think through a concept as a situation develops.

The photograph I am showing here, Man Pruning Hedges, was just that: Taking advantage of a spontaneous moment while doing chores around the house. That doesn't mean we can't carry out a plan "on the fly." Can you look at the image and guess some of the processes that were done in creating the scene?

Sometimes I take a few shots of the same thing and use them all ;) Sadly, I find that despite the extra effort on ones like this raking one, I have images that are much simpler to produce that sell much better...

So glad to know I'm not the only one who takes dozens of shots to get one half decent image! Great blog!

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About me

My greatest passion is landscape and fine art photography. However, stock does provide a challenge in itself. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and concepts and learning new techniques. In the end, each compliments the other. The things you learn from one can apply for another and you grow with the craft. I have over 30 years experience with different kinds of art and freelance endeavors and have yet to become tired or bored with finding new ways to exercise the creative side of me. Thank you for visiting my profile and I hope your time here will be a reward in itself. I am located in Wisconsin, USA.
My collections:Farm and Country Living
Active Seniors
Australia
Sports
Surreal and Dreamlike
Egypt
Fall Colors and Waterfalls
If there is anything Wisconsin-related that you have a special need for, just ask! I would be glad to accommodate.

My greatest passion is landscape and fine art photography. However, stock does provide a challenge in itself. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and concepts and learning new techniques. In the end, each compliments the other. The things you learn from one can apply for another and you grow with the craft. I have over 30 years experience with different kinds of art and freelance endeavors and have yet to become tired or bored with finding new ways to exercise the creative side of me. Thank you for visiting my profile and I hope your time here will be a reward in itself. I am located in Wisconsin... [Read more]

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